Dean’s Letter to International Applicants

As you consider attending law school in the United States, either as a JD or LLM student, you may be asking how recent changes in federal immigration policy might shape your law school experience, both inside and outside the classroom. And you may have concerns about the divisions in our country that the 2016 presidential election revealed.

I am writing to offer assurances about BU Law – who we are and what we stand for – in light of any uncertainties you may have.

I value nothing more highly than the open, tolerant and respectful culture that has defined BU Law since its founding in 1872, when we first opened our doors to qualified students without regard to race, gender, religion, or national origin. As the steward of this legacy, I believe there is no time more important than today to reaffirm BU Law’s historic commitment to these values.

As an international JD or LLM student, you will experience a community that welcomes the perspectives you bring – a community where safe, civil discussions on a multitude of issues take place every day, inside and outside of class. One example of these is our Critical Conversations series, which welcomes all students, faculty and staff to discuss and explore issues of culture, identity and inclusion. This is but one of the many programs, student organizations and school-sponsored events, and initiatives where we support the open, respectful exchange of ideas. We are a better school for all these efforts.

Tolerance and acceptance is woven into the fabric of our entire university. I invite you to read President Brown’s post-election letter to the greater university community, in which he reaffirms “the enduring principles that have defined [Boston University’s] community for 150 years: respect for all people and their right to free expression, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for reasoned arguments and scientific findings.”

The welcome our foreign students receive does not just take place on our campus. Boston is among America’s most diverse and international cities, with nearly 27 percent of its residents hailing from foreign countries. Tens of thousands of international students attend the 100+ colleges and universities in the greater Boston area — and for good reason: Boston is the #1 city in the U.S. for international students, according to QS Top Universities.

I hope you can experience first-hand the inclusiveness of our culture and the diversity of our city.

If you would like to discuss any issues or concerns about life as an international student at BU Law, please do not hesitate to contact our JD admissions office (bulawadm@bu.edu; 617-353-3110) or LLM admissions office (bullm@bu.edu; 617-353-5323).